8.1. Monitoring the patient during surgery: Monitoring the patient's vital signs

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8.1. Monitoring the patient during surgery: Monitoring the patient's vital signs

The performance of nursing in the operating room is crucial for the well-being and safety of the patient. One of the most important functions in this context is monitoring the patient during surgery, especially observing their vital signs.

Vital signs are objective measures of basic bodily functions and include body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), and respiratory rate. These signals are vital because they indicate the physiological status of the body and its response to the environment, stress, and disease. Changes in these signs can indicate a serious medical problem that requires immediate intervention.

Monitoring vital signs is a key part of patient assessment. It provides crucial information about the patient's basic bodily functions and can help identify serious medical problems. During surgery, monitoring vital signs is even more important, as any change could indicate a surgical complication.

During surgery, the nursing staff continuously monitors the patient's vital signs. This is done using monitoring equipment that provides continuous readings of body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Nurses can also monitor other parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation and exhaled carbon dioxide levels, which provide additional information about lung function and blood circulation.

Any change in vital signs is immediately communicated to the surgeon and the anesthetic team. For example, a drop in blood pressure could indicate internal bleeding, while an increase in heart rate could suggest pain or stress. Likewise, changes in breathing rate or oxygen saturation can indicate breathing problems that require immediate intervention.

In addition to continuous monitoring, the nursing team also performs periodic patient assessments. This includes checking skin color and temperature, assessing awareness and response to pain, and noting any swelling or bleeding. These assessments help identify any changes in the patient's status that may not be immediately apparent from vital signs alone.

Monitoring vital signs during surgery is just one part of the nursing role in the OR. However, it is a vital part that plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and well-being. By closely monitoring vital signs and responding promptly to any changes, nurses can help prevent surgical complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

In conclusion, monitoring the patient's vital signs during surgery is an essential nursing function in the OR. It provides a continuous assessment of the patient's physiological status and allows early detection of potential complications. Through their role in monitoring vital signs, nurses play a crucial role in promoting patient safety and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.

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108.2. Patient monitoring during surgery: Appropriate use of monitoring equipment